MORTON, Ill. – The #25 Bradley Soccer team will face outside competition for the first time Tuesday night when the Braves host Dayton in a 7:30 p.m. exhibition game at McClallen Park.

The exhibition game against the Flyers will be the featured attraction in the first of two Bradley Athletics Community Night events.  The soccer Braves will be available for autographs beginning at 6 o’clock Tuesday night at McClallen Park, followed by another autograph session with the Bradley Volleyball team at 6:30.  A speaking program will follow at 7 o’clock, featuring Director of Athletics Dr. Michael Cross and head coaches Jim DeRose (soccer), Jenny Maurer (volleyball), Geno Ford (men’s basketball) and Michael Brooks (women’s basketball).

In addition to the autographs and speaking program, the Community Night event will provide an opportunity to mingle with Bradley student-athletes, coaches and staff, activities for kids and prize giveaways.  Admission is free for both the Community Night event and the soccer game.

A second Bradley Athletics Community Night event will be held in conjuction with Wednesday night’s Peoria Chiefs game.  Gates will open at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Bradley student-athletes, coaches and staff will be available on the right field picnic deck.  Discounted tickets are available for purchase through PeoriaChiefs.com, using the promo code BRADLEY, and Wednesday’s promotions will include 25-cent hot dogs, as well as $1 soda and ice cream sandwiches.

Bradley and Dayton are meeting for the second consecutive preseason:  the teams played to a 0-0 draw last season.  Bradley went on to enjoy one of the best seasons in program history, finishing with a 15-6-2 overall record and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Dayton got off to a rough start in 2011, finishing with a 5-1-1 record, but put together a 4-game October winning streak to post a .500 (4-4-1) record in the Atlantic 10.  The Flyers, who return 20 lettermen, have been picked to finish 10th in the 16-team A-10 by the league’s head coaches.

The Braves graduated nine seniors, however, and are working 12 newcomers into the lineup as they prepare for the 2012 regular-season opener against Eastern Illinois at Shea Stadium.